Frantic gulping and swallowing

Dog Food Advisor Forums Off Topic Forum Frantic gulping and swallowing

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  • #123359 Report Abuse
    Debi S
    Member

    I have a 10 yr old Pom who had pyometra surgery 2 yrs ago – almost immediately she developed this nasty sounding cough followed by frantic gulping and swallowing – 3 return trips to the vet who did the surgery nd $3000 later they can’t help us. They gave her 2 different antiobiotics and then thyroid medication – no help. I found this site and impressed with all the help people are getting. We are heartbroken and I have been looking at acid reflux and want to try Omeprazole – it is devastating to hear her and she looks at me with pleading eyes – I just don’t know what to do. Would it be ok to try the Omeprazole to see if it would help? The vet has no clue and we are just heart broken. Thank you for reading my post

    #123360 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    No. I would not give over the counter meds or supplements, especially those that are not approved for veterinary use, unless prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.

    Find a new vet and get another opinion. That’s what I would do.

    #123364 Report Abuse

    Omeprazole is not a supplement. It is very often recommended by vets. Do you not read other posts anon?

    I’ve personally had great success with using this with my small terrier who has had acid reflux issues and a lot of burping. Susan will probably have a better response as she’s more versed in acid reflux dogs.

    #123365 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    Hi Debi,

    Yes if you think she has acid reflux start her ASAP before she gets stomach ulcers or inflammed esophagus, we did Endoscope & Biospsies January 2018 my poor boy ended up with a red inflammed esophagus & his wind pipe was red where the acid went back down into his wind pipe from bad acid reflux… 🙁

    My boy was taking Omeprazole 20mg, best to take of a morning before or after food it doesn’t matter cause Omeprazole is an PPI an acid blocker, not a acid reducer like pepcid or Zantac is, you will see a BIG difference, it takes about 12-24hours to starting working in beginning, also liquid Mylanta 4-5ml will help stop the gulping & swollowing, put in a syringe, I use Quickeze 1/2 a chew aswell some days for Patch when I see he’s swolling hard or he grinds his teeth some the taste, I worry his esophagus will become inflammed again, you girl will start to improve as weeks pass if her throat/esophagus is sore..

    After Patch took Omeprazole for 2 yrs Patch he went down hill again he has IBD, mainly stomach & small bowel & he gets bad Helicobacter spirals, I think this is why the Omeprazole didnt work aswell anymore + his Sphincter flap from stomach to esophagus doesn’t close properly now, I suffer with GORDS & have Barrets Esophagus & my sphincter flap doesn’t close either & my Gastrologist put me on Pantoprazole he said Pantoprazole works better for some people, when they have GORD & some people do better on Omeprazole, so Dr changed my PPI to Pantoprazole & yes a big improvement with my burping & acid, so I did the same with Patch, Patches IBD vet wanted him to stay on 20mg Omperazole & he said all PPI are all the same, then I explained to him what my Gastrologist Dr had told me how different brand PPI’s can work differently for some people & then Patches vet said OK then, we’ll try 20mg Pantoprazole (Somac), we can buy Pantoprazole from chemist but its cheaper getting a script from a Dr take to chemist..

    Patches specialist vet said we’ll give Patch 1 month & see if there’s any improvement & I also changed his dry food from “Nutro Natural”, Choice Lamb & Rice it was very high in Carbs & Patch wasnt real keen to eat it somedays, I changed his food too “Wellness Core” Large Breed dry kibble, Patch isnt a large breed dog but the “Wellness Core” has all the ingredients that agree with Patch & it’s low in Kcals-340Kcals, you need under 360Kcals if she’s eating a dry kibble, low fat around 13%max & Patch does well on high protein 30-34% & carbs around 30% & under..
    When the protein & fat is low in a dry kibble the carbs are high & high carbs can make acid reflux worse, if your girl can eat a cooked meal, then make her boiled sweet potato & cook a lean white meat like turkey breast or chicken breast or lean pork, & green veggies, my boy can NOT eat wet can foods, this is when he went down hill, the fat in wet can food is higher then in a dry kibble 5%min fat in a wet can food when converted to dry matter (kibble) is around 20%min fat to 26%max fat, so be careful if she is eating a wet can food…as dogs ages their digestion slows down like us..
    I also fed 4 smaller meals a day.

    What is your girl eating.

    #123366 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    Omeprazole is an over the counter medication for humans, not intended for veterinary use except when prescribed (off label) by a veterinarian who has examined and diagnosed the dog.

    Self diagnosing the dog by owner or by listening to internet folks and administering meds not prescribed for your dog could cause an adverse reaction.
    That goes for all medications and supplements intended for humans.
    Some over the counter meds interfere with the absorption of prescription meds.

    Best to check with the vet that knows the dog.

    #123367 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    /forums/topic/antacids-2/#post-101727

    “Before use, consult with your veterinarian and carefully check over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for ingredients that may be deadly to pets”.

    #123424 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    Anon 101
    Omeprazole is NOT an over the counter medication..
    Omeprazole is the only PPI in Australia where you need a written script from vet or Dr…
    The other PPI brands that are over the counter only come in a 14 day packet & are only 20mg dose also expensive & not cheap, so you have to see a Dr in the end & get a written script from the Dr or Vet if the 14 day PPI brand is helping…
    My Vet even takes a PPI when he gets bad acid reflux, he said he takes it for about 3 days & then he stops & this is how we first started Patch on Omeprazole & Patch did so much better when he was takening 20mg Omeprazole & became a new dog full of life again, the days he wasnt on Omeprazole he became ill again….

    Im pretty sure Debi knows her dog better then anyone else & Im pretty sure she’ll do what is best for her senior girl & she doesnt want to be bombard with your post, to go see a vet, she is seeing a vet..

    No one really cares what you think, you always think you’re correct & never wrong & its your way or the Highway so you keep posting & harrassing the poor poster until their post is closed down by DFA…
    How many peoples post have you closed down now??

    #123425 Report Abuse
    Debi S
    Member

    Thank you Susan for your insight. It has been tremendously helpful. I just started taking care of her a couple of days ago since my daughter was helpless and lost hope. I have been feeding her freshly cooked chicken thighs – plain – and then mixed with rice and peas. She scarfs it. I have been feeding her a little like every 2-3 hours – she always eats and she drinks a lot of water. I have started her on Omeprozole and monitoring. Her cough has changed from an awful bronchial cough to more like a croup cough – like it’s breaking up. I am so hopeful I am helping her. She has been like a child to me. Thank you again! I don’t listen to nay-sayers – you can tell just the way they write. Debi

    #123426 Report Abuse

    In the US though it is otc.

    #124260 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    Overview of Omeprazole (Prilosec®) for Dogs and Cats
    Omeprazole, commonly known by the brand name Prilosec®, is used in the treatment and prevention of stomach (gastric) and intestinal ulcers in dogs and cats.
    The newest drugs used in the treatment of ulcers and heartburn (acid reflux from the stomach) belong to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole is such a drug and has been used for the treatment and prevention of stomach ulcers.
    Omeprazole inhibits the movement of hydrogen ions – a constituent of hydrochloric stomach acid. Through this effect, omeprazole blocks acid secretion in the stomach. This creates a more favorable stomach pH to allow ulcers to heal.
    The duration of effect for omeprazole is 24 hours.
    Omeprazole is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
    This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
    Brand Names and Other Names of Omeprazole
    This drug is registered for use in humans only.
    Human formulations: Prilosec® in the United States, Losec® in Canada (Astra-Merck)
    Veterinary formulations: Gastrogard®, Ulcergard®
    Uses of Omeprazole for Dogs and Cats
    Omeprazole is used in the treatment and prevention of stomach (gastric) and intestinal ulcers.
    Omeprazole promotes ulcer healing in animals with ulcers or erosions (shallow depressions in the stomach lining).
    Omeprazole may be useful in treatment of ulcers caused by ulcerogenic drugs (such as aspirin).
    Another use is management of acid reflux disease to reduce injury to the esophagus (food tube) caused by the upward movement of stomach acid.
    Precautions and Side Effects
    While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, omeprazole can cause side effects in some animals.
    Omeprazole should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
    Omeprazole should be used with caution in animals with liver disease.
    Omeprazole may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with omeprazole. Such drugs include diazepam, cyclosporine, digoxin, rifampin, ketoconazole and ampicillin.
    Adverse reactions to omeprazole are uncommon as long as recommended doses are administered. Occasionally, some animals develop nausea, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea or loose stools.
    Very rarely, omeprazole has precipitated some urinary tract infections and nervous system changes.
    How Omeprazole Is Supplied
    Omeprazole is supplied in 10 and 20 mg capsules. Also available as oral suspension in 2 mg/ml.
    Oral paste available in 2.28 g per syringe.
    Dosing Information of Omeprazole for Dogs and Cats
    Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
    The typical dose administered to dogs and cats is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg), every 24 hours or once daily.
    The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.
    https://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/omeprazole-prilosec-gastrogard-for-dogs-and-cats/

    #124265 Report Abuse
    Patricia A
    Participant

    Just like in people Prilosec comes with a lot of side effects. Found this video. Does this sound like your dog? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpYAC9IfZjo

    #124266 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    It’s not about the side effects. All medications that are effective can have side effects. You can discuss the risk versus the benefit with your veterinarian.

    It’s about giving a dog a medication that may mask symptoms, cause harm and delay the medical treatment that the dog needs.

    It appears from the information provided that the dog has not had a workup for the symptoms described.
    So, the dog may not have acid reflux or anything like it.

    Step #1. Get a correct diagnosis via vet exam and tests as indicated.

    #124285 Report Abuse
    pitlove
    Participant

    Hi Debi-

    Was there ever any discussion that there could have been damage to her trachea when they extubated her after the pyo surgery? If the cuff is not deflated properly when they attempt to extubate or they do not wait for a swallow reflex before they remove the trach tube it can cause some damage/inflammation to the trachea.

    Also you said this was a Pom. Have radiographs been done to rule out collapsing trachea? It is very common in small breeds and will cause a cough like what you are talking about.

    If none of these things have been visited at the vet I would bring them up.

    As far as the frantic swallowing and gulping goes, one of my dogs started doing this maybe around a year ago. I tried a lot of suggested remedies, but so far I haven’t found anything that eliminates it completely. He will go for quite a few months before he has an episode, but its random and doesn’t seem to be triggered by anything specific. I’ve talked to a couple of doctors I work with about it and they were stumped as well.

    #124287 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    Hi Pitlove,

    I remember reading your boy was put on Omeprazole, what happened, is he still taking the Omeprazole?

    #124288 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    Hi Debi,

    how is your girl going since taking the Omeprazole? I know it’s only 3 days since starting the Omeprazole..

    #124289 Report Abuse
    pitlove
    Participant

    No Susan, we only used it for a short time. He hasn’t had it happen in a while, but it likely will again.

    #124323 Report Abuse
    Patricia A
    Participant

    Anon you wrote exactly what I wanted to finish writing but didn’t have the energy from stupid change of weather migraine. I believe acid reflux can be diagnosed by an endoscope. But without knowing if that is truly the cause, meds that suppress acid TOTALLY can do a lot more harm then good. I wish she opened the youtube link I sent. MANY people posted with exactly the same symptoms that her POM suffers from.
    Someone wrote that when they stopped Frontline the symptoms stopped. Vet said flea and tick meds can sometimes cause seizures in dogs which present with this type of behavior. Another wrote found info. on the internet about “reverse sneezing and tracheal collapse”. The dog in this video appears to have reverse sneezing that is not serious, but a tracheal collapse is, and symptoms mirror those of the reverse sneezing.

    #124325 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    @ Patricia A
    Thanks, so nice not to have one of my posts misconstrued 🙂

    Sorry about your migraine, mine are in remission (knock on wood).
    I watch my diet, lots of triggers, for example MSG in a lot of foods under a variety of different names.

    I agree about the pet in question, you can’t treat a condition if you don’t know what the condition is.

    #124335 Report Abuse
    Patricia A
    Participant

    Thank’s @anon101 for sympathizing with my migraine suffering. I try to go natural like you in keeping attacks at bay instead of the meds. I have the same philosophy with keeping my furbabies healthy. No meds unless proof of disease and then weighing side effects causing worse symptoms and suffering then the original problem. Sometimes I take it upon myself to know what’s best for my pet. As when many ears ago I took my 16 year old Doxie in for a growth on his leg . Diagnosed as a common benign growth especially in senior dogs. Vet was then insisting on giving him his yearly vaccinations. I declined. It would only do harm in a dog this age who cannot go for walks anymore and only goes out when it’s warm enough using a ramp. Very happy that my new vet no longer pushes yearly vaccinations to my 16 year old Chi, eight year old and four year old. They had all their vaccinations and then I stopped after their boosters at a year. I only get the rabies every three years . I think when they are do I’ll get a titer to see if even that is necessary.
    Glad to hear you found that food trigger. MSG is a very common one for migraines. Mine is change in weather and perfume. Can’t change the weather but my hubby makes sure he goes through the papers for any free perfume samples and throws them outside garbage and airs out the papers. lol.
    Hope my post isn’t forbidden for being so off topic. lol

    #124336 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    @ Patrica
    Have you watched your utube video?
    the dog in your utube post is NOT having reverse sneezing attack, he is having a gulping attack caused by acid reflux, the acid has come up his esophagus up into the throat causing alot of discomfort, so the dog keeps swollowing, some dogs lick their paws or lick their beds to swollow the bad taste…..
    this discomfort can all be stop with a liquid ant acid or eating dry biscuit or eating grass, sometimes the dog will vomit up the grass mix with yellow acid & feel better..

    I video Patch doing the same thing as the dog in your utube video when I first rescued him & showed vet & he said, Patch has acid reflux, we see this alot, about 2 cases a week..

    This is a dog having a “Reverse sneezing attack”, alot of small breeds have reverse sneezing attacks….
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3L4v0W2_Sw

    By the way Patricia Anon 101 despises anything holistic & natural….

    #124339 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    @ Patricia A
    The rabies shot is hard to dodge due to the laws and such, but I have found that some vets will help.
    After all it says on the vaccine package not to give if the dog is not healthy.

    So, sometimes a vet will sign the rabies vaccine waiver especialy for a senior that has medical issues.

    Regarding the migraines, ask your primary for a referral to a good neurologist or headache clinic, they don’t all push meds. Stress is a big trigger, also there are genetic factors at play

    #124417 Report Abuse
    pitlove
    Participant

    Patricia-

    Susan is right on this one. The dog in your video is gulping and licking not reverse sneezing. These attacks often also involve the dog licking anything and everything in sight. Mine will lick the floor uncontrollably. I do not know what is causing it, but he reverse sneezes as well sometimes and the two are completely different.

    #124419 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    @ Patricia A
    Just got around to watching the video. Hard to tell what may be going on with that dog. Could even be neurological or a combination of things including reverse sneezing?
    So many disorders have similar symptoms. Also, the OP’s dog could have more than one thing going on.
    Hope the OP continues to work with her vet to identify the problem and evaluate treatment options.
    Thanks for posting the video.

    #124446 Report Abuse
    Patricia A
    Participant

    @anon101

    @susan

    That’s why I wanted@debi S to watch the video to see if it matches closely to what her Pom is doing. I am very familiar with reverse sneezing since one of my Chis’ has this. I usually blow in her nose a little which prompts her to swallow aborting the attack.
    https://dogs.lovetoknow.com/reverse-sneezing-dogs
    Just maybe if she looks at some videos of reverse sneezing she’ll either see it resembles her dog or eliminate that being the cause. It is VERY common especially in small breed dogs. My dog swallows a lot in-between the coughing. An endoscope can confirm acid reflux. She never wrote if vet suggested smaller meals throughout day which is recommend for acid reflex. Dry kibble also induces acid reflex. So using some water to moisten would also be helpful. Also weight management. Does the dog have any of these symptoms commonly associated with reflux
    Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs Gurgling or burping sounds after eating Persistent bad breath Weak vomiting or coughing accompanied by small amounts of vomit. Whining while eating Eating a bit, demonstrating discomfort, then resuming eating. Wheezing Excessive salivation?
    Throwing antacids before even trying some change in diet is not the answer unless other natural options do not work AND if it is determined reflux to be the cause.
    Don’t know why people seek out help and then don’t respond to posts.

    • This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.
    #124448 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    “Don’t know why people seek out help and then don’t respond to posts”

    I find that to be the norm on forums. Often people have already decided what they want to do. They are just looking for support.
    If they don’t like what you have to say and when you don’t support their opinions they become angry.
    It is expensive to own a dog nowadays, not everyone grasps that.
    Some pet owners want to avoid further vet costs…..decline further testing, etc.
    Just speculating.

    #129656 Report Abuse
    Pat B
    Member

    My 6 year old doxy/beagle mix started having episodes at night. He wakes up gulping/licking the air and swallowing. We recently moved to San Antonio and that’s when it started. I have changed his food has well. I spoke to a vet and she had me put him on a bland diet. Boiled chicken and rice. I did that and it helped so with her advice started the dog food back and it happened again. So I put him back on cooked human food and it has stopped. I feel it may be allergies.

    #129790 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    Hi Pat,
    It sounds like acid reflux, what was he eating?? its either too high in fat, high carbs or high in oils or tooo high in Kcals per cup??
    Take it back to pet shop & say he wont eat it, get refund or change for something else..
    Is it dry or wet can food when the licking gulping happens ??
    If it’s dry have a look at “Wellness Simple”
    I feed the Wellness Simple Turkey & Potato formula, Patch get bad acid reflux when he eats a fish kibble, Id say the omega oils are too high.
    https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/natural-dog-food/product-catalog/simple-limited-ingredient-turkey-potato-recipe

    Boil Sweet Potato pieces instead of the boiled rice, sweet potato is excellent for stomach & bowel problems, boil rice ferments in stomach..Sweet potato freezes & thaws really good..
    Start adding 1-2 spoons of tin Salmon in spring water to his cook meals, so he’s getting his omega 3 for skin, coat, brain, heart & joints..
    Salmon isnt as greezy as sardines..
    Baths twice a week to wash off Allergens off skin & paws..
    When this happens give an acid reducer – Zantac or Pepcid google dose
    or make some Slippery Elm Slurry..
    Buy Slippery Elm Powder add 1/2 a teaspoon power to a cup, boil the jug, slowly add the boiling water & stir quickly till you have a thick slurry but not too thick it needs to be able to be pulled up into a syringe when cool give 4ml put syringe side of his back teeth so he swollows it, this will soothe his esophagus & stomach helps with nausea & acid reflux & sloppy poo diarrhea..

    #130577 Report Abuse
    Susan G
    Member

    My dog came Back from the groomers coughing and sputtering and blowing bubbles out of her nose and her nose was pouring. It was like she was having trouble breathing. Also her collar was soaking wet. She was also cut on her stomach. Groomer said she sat on the shears. And said at first nothing else happened then said maybe she got shampoo in her nose. Does anyone think it’s pissible that she fell into their washing tub? I don’t think I’ll get the truth out of her. It was a mobile groomer, not that that makes a difference. Thoughts?

    #130579 Report Abuse
    Patricia A
    Participant

    Susan I take my long haired Chi Loli to be groomed. Really just a clean up of her hygiene area sheared. But I ALWAYS call to make an appointment to be done while I wait. It’s a small shop so I can stand by counter and be able to see what’s going on. I remember once when an older man was grooming .Small dog was not standing still and the guy grabbed him roughly by neck to turn him around. I caught his eye and he realized that I was watching and started to pet dog. I told owner I never want him to groom. Didn’t see him the next time I took Loli in. I’ve seen those mobile trucks. Try to have her groomed when you have time to be n truck and watch .

    #130580 Report Abuse
    anonymous
    Member

    Trust your intuition. Find another groomer.
    Or better yet, buy the equipment, take a course, buy a book “Dog Grooming for Dummies”
    and do it yourself.
    That’s what I have been doing the last several years. The equipment pays for itself.

    PS: Stuff does happen no matter how careful the groomer is, maybe insist on observing, although a lot of groomers do not allow. They say the dog won’t calm down because you are there.

    #130639 Report Abuse
    Susan
    Participant

    Hi Susan,

    Sounds like your poor girl has been in a washing machine & washed…Poor thing..

    DO NOT take her back, poor dog sounds like she has had a bad time, I would demand a refund or you’ll be reporting this groomer, also go onto her F/B page & tell her customers what has happened, name & shame her so she starts respecting poor innocent animals.

    Anyone can become a mobil groomer & be very ruff to the poor dog when the dog gets scared & freezes up & wont do as they are told..

    There has to be a better groomer around that has a good name..
    Google groomers in your area & read their reviews…
    I bath my own dog twice a week, its a pain but my boy is terrified of water he must of also had a bad experience when someone bathed him when he was younger…
    If your dog needs to be trimmed alot of vet nurses cut dogs fur at vet practice & the dogs are surrounded by people who are witness to any animal cruelty….
    Look for a groomer who is busy & has a few groomers working close by, better then a single person..

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